3 Artificial Christmas Trees That Will Look Great Every Year

Unlike the forthrightly fake impostors of the past, the best of today's faux trees could pass for freshly chopped. Another big improvement: Most artificial Christmas trees are pre-lit, so you can skip the temper-fraying ritual of detangling wires and distributing lights evenly around the branches. Also check out these festive Christmas tree decorating ideas!

Best Overall

Best Overall

The 7.5' Balsam Hill Fir was the panel's favorite, earning high marks for its true green color and the natural-looking fall of the branches. At $999, it was the most expensive tree tested, but it delivers nice extras: an electrical connection for tree toppers, a foot-pedal on-off switch for the lights, and two zip-up bags for storing the tree until next season (the other winners came without storage — and wouldn't fit back into their original boxes unless we squished them). BalsamHill.com

Strong and Sturdy

Strong and Sturdy

If your dream tree is the opposite of understated, check out Santa's Own 7.5' Oregon Noble Vintage ($547) — its branches drooped the least among our winners (we weighted them, just to see), so load on the ornaments. Panelists also loved the fullness of this tree. ChristmasTreeForMe.com